Up The Town! A History of Wrexham and the Beautiful Game

Wrexham grew from a medieval market town into a coal and brewing powerhouse before becoming the spiritual home of Welsh football that it is today. On this walking tour, you’ll find out how its industrial roots, cultural heritage, and football traditions came together to create the surprising story of Wales’ newest city.

Beginning in Queen’s Square, you’ll stroll through ancient streets that have witnessed centuries of resilience, rebellion, and sporting glory. I’ll show you the landmarks that shaped Wrexham’s identity, from the Carnegie Library to the iconic Racecourse Ground (the world’s oldest still in-use international football stadium). Along the way, you’ll hear stories of triumph and tragedy, from the founding of the Football Association of Wales to the devastating Gresford mining disaster that the community still remembers today.

As you walk Wrexham’s historic streets, you’ll hear how the city earned international fame through its beloved football club, whose story under Hollywood ownership has captured hearts worldwide. Before the tour ends at The Turf, a legendary pub, you’ll also learn that there’s much more to this proud Welsh city than the beautiful game.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• Visit the historic Wynnstay Arms Hotel, where the Football Association of Wales was founded in 1876, making it the third oldest football association in the world
• Hear about the surprising connection between Wrexham and Yale University, whose namesake, Elihu Yale, is buried in St Giles’ churchyard
• Learn about the city’s brewing heritage, including Wrexham Lager, first brewed in 1881
• See the memorial to the 261 miners who lost their lives in the 1934 Gresford Pit disaster
• Explore local landmarks that speak to Welsh language and culture, including the significance of “Cofiwch Dryweryn“
• View street art celebrating Wrexham’s football heroes, including the Paul Mullin mural
• Uncover the mystery of Wrexham’s alleged underground tunnel network beneath the city center

On this hour-long walking tour, you’ll see firsthand why this small city on the Welsh-English border proudly calls itself “the fine city“ – and how two Hollywood stars helped put it firmly on the world map.